Wild Heart's Return

Head to the theater

Little Girl: They... They say you have claws...

Little Girl: We heard you can tear those monsters into shreds...

???: Wanna take a look?

Little Boy: Yes! Please!

???: Okay, then! Here you go...

Little Girl: Eek...

Little Boy: C-Candies!

???: Try some! I hope these candies can make up for not showing you my impressive claws.

Little Boy: See? He's not scary at all!

Little Girl: Thank you, L-Lingyang!

???: You're welcome! Do come by to see our liondance show tomorrow!

Little Girl: I will!

Little Boy: See you soon!

???: You must be that famous Rover.

???: Hiya! I've heard a lot about you, and now I finally get to meet you in person.

Lingyang: You really are different from everyone else...

Lingyang: Hmm... So even you are scared of me, too...

Lingyang: Yeah, the Liondance Troupe. We do cool liondancing shows for parades.

Lingyang: Oh, and liondancingTaiping Musical is a traditional thing in Jinzhou.

Lingyang: Well, liondancingTaiping Musical is a traditional thing in Jinzhou.

Lingyang: We've got whole groups dedicated to liondancing, our troupe for example.

Lingyang: We've got lots of activites in Jinzhou. I can't wait to show you!

Lingyang: (his stomach growled...)

Lingyang: Oh! Oops, uh.. Sorry, I guess I'm a bit hungry after rehearsing for a whole day.

Lingyang: Well actually... Yes it is! Jinzhou people love feeding our guests! It's our way of showing hospitality.

Lingyang: Get ready to be blown away by the amazing flavors here!

Lingyang: Don't get me wrong, but this is just how we treat our guests here in Jinzhou.

Lingyang: You'll love the hospitality here, I promise!

Lingyang: N-Nothing! Please believe me. I'm just trying to treat you to a meal, since you're our super important guest and all.

Lingyang: You'll see how we roll with our guests soon enough!

Lingyang: But right now, I still have some other things to finish...

Lingyang: I've been getting a ton of requests for private liondances lately, and some happen to overlap with our big show tomorrow.

Lingyang: And you know how important liondancing is to the folks here in Jinzhou! Can't just turn 'em down.

Lingyang: So I had an idea: why not combine all these personal requests into the grand performance? That way, everyone's happy.

Lingyang: We can even customize the performances to cater to each client's needs.

Lingyang: But first, gotta figure out exactly what our clients want!

Lingyang: Rover, wanna come with me?

Lingyang: We can go visit my clients on our way to grab food. I'll show you around and introduce you to our local customs firsthand.

Lingyang: Great! Let's goooo!!

Okay, let me think.. My first client's nearby. You might've seen them before.

Just cross the bridge, keep going, and we're there!

Visit the first client with Lingyang

Ganxue: Oh, you are...

Lingyang: Fivefold blessings grace your door, good luck and fortune evermore!

Ganxue: Aww, the Lucky Greetings... You're from the Liondance Troupe, I bet. Nice to meet you!

Ganxue: Are you here for my grandpa's birthday party?

Ganxue: I thought our reservation was tomorrow. Did you maybe mix up the time?

Lingyang: Ah, here's the thing. People from City Hall already booked a liondance show on the same day for soldiers leaving on an expedition.

Ganxue: I see...

Lingyang: But maybe we can combine your celebrations with this existing show...

Ganxue: My grandpa loves hanging out with people. He'd be so happy if you could do that for him.

Lingyang: Nice! Just double-checking again: It will be your grandfather's 60th birthday, right?

Ganxue: Correct.

Lingyang: Alright, I'll keep that in mind.

Lingyang: Means I'll dance around our birthday star on the poles! It's a special birthday celebration dance.

Lingyang: One spin for a decade past, health and vigor forever last!

Ganxue: Thank you so much. I'm sure grandpa will be happy to hear that!

Visit the second client with Lingyang

Lingyang: Blissful union, endless delight, love eternal in thee alight!

Linling: Oh my, look who's here! Come here, Lingyang!

Lingyang: Thank you for the candies! Actually, I'm here for that liondance request you made...

Lingyang: City Hall already booked a show for soldiers on the same day, so...

Linling: Really? So you won't be able to perform for us?

Lingyang: It's an interactive wedding ceremony.

Lingyang: The bride and groom stand on either side of the liondance performer. When the lion head opens its mouth, they put their hands inside and it bites down.

Lingyang: It's called "Settlement." It symbolizes an unbreakable bond!

Lingyang: I know this wedding means everything to you, and I don't want you to have any regrets.

Lingyang: Your love is rock solid, and I can see that. The "Liondance Officiant" ceremony would just be the cherry on top of your unbreakable bond.

Lingyang: How about you two exchanging tokens when the lion head reaches the top during tomorrow's performance? It'll be a lively atmosphere with drums, gongs, and firecrackers bursting in celebration...

Lingyang: Even though it's not exactly the thing you wanted, isn't it still a unique way to exchange vows in front of your loved ones?

Lingyang: And it symbolizes... "To the world's end your hearts aligned, to the sky's edge your fates entwined!"

Linling: Aw, that's so sweet.

Linling: My partner's a soldier in training, headed to defend our borders soon. The liondance show for departing soldiers must mean a lot to him.

Linling: Sheng, what do you say?

Shengmao: Sure, I'm happy to go along with whatever you want.

Linling: Okay. Hmm, we'll need some more time to think it through.

Lingyang: No problem, I'll be waiting to hear from you!

Done! Now, onto the next client... Hmm, I remember it's a young couple.

Visit the third client with Lingyang

Alright! Just one more client to go! He's at the place where we'll be eating our dinner!

Uhh... My stomach's rumbling again. Can't wait for a big feast!

Lingyang: Here we are. This is the place!

Lingyang: Heya, mister! Lionpeppers on the beam, may your profits always stream!

Shuncai: Oh hi! Isn't that the Lingyang boy?

Shuncai: What brought you here? My liondance request? I heard you're getting a ton of requests. I hope you can still fit mine in.

Shuncai: Look, I got the Lionpepper and everything. Just waiting for you to put on the lion head and chow down at my store opening!

Lingyang: Sir, there's something I need to tell you...

Shuncai: Yeah, I heard. My thing conflicts with the performance you're doing for the soldiers, right? Will you have to cancel?

Lingyang: Exactly. So I was thinking we could incorporate some "Lionpepper" elements into the show to make up for it...

Shuncai: Nah, no need to worry about my little shop, boyo. Just focus on your big performance!

Shuncai: Haha, looks like Lingyang has made a new friend.

Shuncai: Here, try this while you're here! A new snack I just came up with!

Lingyang: Go on, Rover. Dinner's on me. Mr. Shuncai is a great chef!

Lingyang: Yum-yum! Hey sir, can we share this snack with the audience during our evening show? No snacks, no show!

Lingyang: Let me do something for you. Anything! To help you attract more customers.

Shuncai: Oh my, that'll be my great honor!

Shuncai: But...

Lingyang: What's the matter?

Shuncai: Have you heard? There's a monster in the wild recently, one they call the Jingle Beast...

Lingyang: The Jingle Beast...

Shuncai: Yeah. Somehow the nickname sounds cute even!

Shuncai: But you know what? It does all the terrible stuff you can think of!

Lingyang: It... It's a... A friend of mine.

Shuncai: Well, actually... I need this one ingredient for my new snack, but the Jingle Beast has been messing things up. Can't find good meat anywhere right now.

Lingyang: Do you have other ways to replenish your stock?

Shuncai: There's only one place left to get it, and it's run by this Exile group called "The Savages."

Shuncai: Apparently, they're in cahoots with the Jingle Beast, and that's how they still have meat for sale.

Shuncai: But it's crazy expensive—five times the usual price! It's insane!

Shuncai: I'm just a small shop, how am I supposed to afford that?

Lingyang: Me? Oh... I'm fine...

Lingyang: It suddenly struck me that there was another request to deal with... It should be right next to the tea house not far away. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go!

Lingyang: Sorry, Rover. I'll be back soon!

Shuncai: You'll get used to him soon.

Shuncai: He's spontaneous, always doing whatever pops into his head at the moment.

Shuncai: He just loves helping people.

Shuncai: You'll often see him sprinting around the alleys, lending a hand wherever needed.

Shuncai: He's quick and strong, nothing seems to faze him. He's been such a blessing to us.

Shuncai: We do feel bad when he injures himself accidentally, though... He brushes it off and tells us not to fret, but even though he says not to worry, we still do.

Shuncai: Thank you!

Shuncai: Of course, take your time.

Shuncai: The teahouse Lingyang mentioned is in the residential area, just past the square. Keep walking and you'll find it...

Look for Lingyang around the teahouse

Bei Shi: Sorry, but I'm not the one you're looking for. I never made any liondancing requests...

Lingyang: I received a strange request from the Bei Family. It didn't mention any specific requirements.

Lingyang: Could it be your parents?

Bei Shi: ...No, it can't be. Now, if there's nothing else, please excuse me.

Lingyang: Please, one moment! Bei Shi... do you have an older brother?

Bei Shi: How did you know...

Lingyang: The client who called me had a mature male voice.

Lingyang: And since he said he's from the Bei Family, there is only one other possibility...

Lingyang: Bei Shi, has something happened to you?

Bei Shi: ...

Lingyang: I'm Lingyang from the Liondance Troupe. This is Rover.

Lingyang: You can trust us.

Bei Shi: ...It's about my brother, Bei Ji. It's been a week now, and he still hasn't come back home.

Lingyang: A week ago... That's when I received this request.

Lingyang: Was he acting strange the last time you saw him?

Bei Shi: My brother and I stopped talking to each other a while back, after a big fight. I don't even know when he last left our house...

Bei Shi: But... he still sends me packages from time to time. It's been a bunch of strange stuff...

Lingyang: This package has old Angelica flowers, they don't smell good anymore.

Lingyang: And these meats... They are almost bad, even though they're refrigerated... Anything else he told you?

Bei Shi: I didn't tell anyone, because I was worried my brother would get in trouble if I reported it to the police.

Lingyang: Yeah, The Savages seem shady. And there's talk of the Jingle Beast being connected to them.

Lingyang: I see... Rover, you're so clever!

Lingyang: Bei Shi, leave it to me! I'll help you find your brother.

Bei Shi: Can I go with you?

Lingyang: I get it, Bei Shi. You really want to find your brother.

Lingyang: But it's dangerous out there with the TD Outbreaks happening more frequently. I can't guarantee your safety if we run into a spreading Tacet Field.

Bei Shi: I... I can handle it. I used to be a member of the Pioneer Association, too.

Bei Shi: But... I...

Lingyang: If you insist... Okay, but we'll need to ask Rover about it.

Lingyang: He is a strong Resonator. With him, we'll be safer on our journey.

Lingyang: To be honest, I don't want to drag my friend into this... But this is an emergency, and Bei Shi want to tag along, so I'm asking a favor of you.

Bei Shi: Rover, I know it's a big ask...

Bei Shi: Amazing! Thank you, Rover!

Bei Shi: The guy who brings my packages is always the same dude, and I know where he works.

Great, let's go!

We'll wait for you here.

Talk with Lingyang and get ready to leave

Great, let's go!

We'll wait for you here.

Go to the logistics station ahead

It should be around here...

Wait... There's someone calling for help...

Over there! The Hoochiefs are attacking someone!

Go in the direction of the cry for help

Rescue the logistics guy

Stern Courier: Phew... Thank you! You saved my life!

Lingyang: Are you alright?

Stern Courier: Of course! "We Promise, We Deliver"! That's our slogan at the Lollo Logistics!

Stern Courier: All packages must be transferred at this station, but we rarely see anyone dropping off their packages here. If someone did, I will surely remember them.

Lingyang: We're searching for a missing person who used your service. Can you help us?

Stern Courier: Hmm, I'm sorry, but this doesn't ring any bell...

Lingyang: But we just checked the package tracker, and it said you were the deliveryman...

Stern Courier: ...M-Maybe it was a mistake?

Stern Courier: The "Twinkle Beast"? You mean that monster everyone's been talking about recently?

Lingyang: You mean the "Jingle Beast", right?

Stern Courier: Yeah, whatever. That dangerous, man-eating thing.

Stern Courier: It's said to have long tusks and sharp claws that can tear anything to shreds...

Stern Courier: And there's this Exile group, called "The Savages," and they claim to be able to talk to that beast.

Stern Courier: So people have been paying them to talk the "Jingle Beast" out of attacking humans...

Stern Courier: "The Savages"... Yeah, sounds familiar...

Stern Courier: Do you know the "Tingle Beast"? That monster everyone's been talking about recently.

Lingyang: You mean the "Jingle Beast", right?

Stern Courier: Yeah, whatever. That dangerous, man-eating thing.

Stern Courier: It's said that they know how to communicate with that ferocious beast.

Stern Courier: So people have been paying them to talk the "Jingle Beast" out of attacking humans...

Stern Courier: That's all I know, sir.

Lingyang: Thank you, but I've got one last question.

Lingyang: Do you know where we can find The Savages, or the Jingle Beast?

Stern Courier: ...Sorry, but we have our rules to f-follow... I cannot divulge details of our clients.

Stern Courier: But I heard the Jingle Beast is often found roaming in a campsite. It's somewhere near a broken tree, on that mountainside...

Stern Courier: Those working on the guard tower can often spot it, too.

Lingyang: I see. Thank you for answering my questions.

Stern Courier: Sir, may I remind you...

Stern Courier: That thing is very dangerous... It's ferocious beyond your wildest imagination. Please be careful...

Stern Courier: And there may be more than one of them...

Lingyang: Don't worry! If there really was a second Jingle Beast... Well, I'll have to see it for myself!

The deliveryman thanks you and leaves...

Lingyang: Yeah. At least now we know The Savages and the Jingle Beast are definitely connected.

Lingyang: Besides, did you see his expression?

Lingyang: Well, but at least we still got some clues from him. Like where we can find the Jingle Beast.

Bei Shi: B-but there are so many campsites in the wild, how can we pinpoint its exact location with a couple words from him?

Lingyang: Follow me. Let's keep our eyes open for anything unusual.

Follow Lingyang's tips to find suspicious camps

Campsite near a broken tree, and visible from the guard tower... I think I know where it is.

That's the place. Let's look around and stay alert.

Lingyang: From the size of this campsite, it doesn't look like they can hold a big gathering here.

Lingyang: The broken tree... It should be somewhere up ahead. Let's keep walking!

Lingyang: Hmm? I just heard people talking. It's coming from above that slope...

Shh... Let's stay low...

Let's not step on those bushes. Try not to make any noise!

Find a suitable location and eavesdrop on The Savages' conversations

Fierce Exile: How did it go?

Cautious Exile: Hehe, you're so smart, boss! That "Jingle Beast" rumor really did the trick!

Bei Shi: So they're really here...

Lingyang: Shh... Keep quiet. Do you see these bushes?

Lingyang: These bushes are not supposed to grow so well on exposed ground.

Lingyang: Must be planted on purpose. There might be traps hiding underneath.

Lingyang: Let's stay put and listen to what they're saying.

Cautious Exile: Oh, about that new guy. He's been getting things down quickly, I'll give him that.

Fierce Exile: He's too nosy. Can't shut up about the "Jingle Beast."

Fierce Exile: Let him go find the beast if he's so eager.

Fierce Exile: And then we'll handle him ourselves.

Cautious Exile: Boss, I heard this guy we're dealing with is tough.

Cautious Exile: He probably won't believe in the "Jingle Beast" rumor.

Fierce Exile: Let's see how he feels after we rough him up in the dark.

Fierce Exile: You get it now?

Cautious Exile: Brilliant plan, boss. You're relentless.

Fierce Exile: Heh, watch and learn, kid.

Fierce Exile: You're just a pup. You don't know what really scares people...

Fierce Exile: But I'll come with you this time.

Cautious Exile: Alright everyone, let's go! Grab your stuff!

Bei Shi: Phew... Are they gone?

Lingyang: No... Wait, they're still nearby.

Lingyang: I can still hear them breathing. They're on high alert.

Lingyang: But they're still inexperienced by beast standards.

Lingyang: Okay, now they've gone farther away.

Lingyang: Let's go check it out.

The tusk of an unknown creature, huge in size.

A messy bill with barely visible entries. The expenditure is almost zero.

Scattered scraps of defrosting meat, already spoiled and emitting a foul odor.

Bei Shi: How could this be... Is my brother really working for those bad guys?

Lingyang: Bei Shi, what kind of person is he?

Bei Shi: He's shy and careful, but not sneaky. He may be timid, but he really loves me...

Lingyang: Bei Shi... Sometimes, we can't trust what we hear or see.

Lingyang: We have to use our hearts and logic to uncover the real truth, it's not always obvious.

Bei Shi: ...Thank you. I see.

Lingyang: It's just the tusk of an adult Sabyr Boar. It's indeed larger than usual, but...

Lingyang: They must be using this to make people believe the "Jingle Beast" is real.

Lingyang: It's been refrigerated for a while, but the inside has spoiled... Exactly like the thing we found in one of those packages...

Lingyang: I can even smell the chemical preservatives in there...

Lingyang: Ugh... It pisses me off, too.

Lingyang: The top priority now is to find clues about Bei Ji's whereabouts.

Lingyang: Now we have another problem. We have to keep tabs on "The Savages" to see what they're planning.

Lingyang: Sounds good. The Savages are super alert, but I know the wilderness better than them. I can track them down.

Lingyang: Rover, I understand your anger.

Lingyang: But they are super alert. It'll be too risky for you to go alone. Besides, I know the wilderness better than them. Maybe I should go.

Lingyang: I want to ask you to take Bei Shi and go look for her brother.

Lingyang: Thank you, Rover. You take care of yourself too.

Bei Shi: Hmm... Ah! There is a message!

Bei Ji (Hologram): Sorry Bei Shi... I stood between you and your dreams.

Bei Ji (Hologram): Perhaps you were right... Your brother is just a selfish coward.

Bei Ji (Hologram): I don't dream of your forgiveness... But still... I want to do something for you.

Bei Ji (Hologram): Farewell, Bei Shi. I'll kill the Jingle Beast... for you...

Bei Ji (Hologram): (The video ends here...)

Bei Shi: It's probably because I joined the Pioneer Association.

Bei Shi: My brother was really against my decision...

Bei Shi: I... I don't know. He never told me anything about it...

(Ring... Ring...)

Bei Shi: No... It must be the Jingle Beast!

Bei Shi: I know... I know that sound too well.

Bei Shi: A while ago, when I was on a mission in the wilderness, I got ambushed by Tacet Discords...

Bei Shi: I-I can't remember... I was so scared, my mind went completely blank.

Bei Shi: After hearing the bell, I...

Bei Shi: I just kept running without looking back. That bell kept chasing me and only disappeared when I reached a safer place.

Bei Shi: If I hadn't made it, perhaps I would have been eaten by the Jingle Beast...

Bei Shi: Alright... L-Let's go...

Go in the direction of the bell

Talk to Lingyang

Lingyang: A loud bell ringing? I think I heard something like that, but...

Lingyang: But I didn't... I didn't see anything like the Jingle Beast.

Lingyang: Let's stick with the Bei Ji thing.

Lingyang: Do you remember what we overheard at the campsite? They mentioned a newbie who was obsessed with the Jingle Beast.

Lingyang: And just now, they sent him to some deep cave.

Bei Shi: I'm sure I did hear the bell ringing... So the Jingle Beast is probably hiding in here, too!

Lingyang: Well... Given how big it is, I don't think it could fit inside a cave like this. What do you say?

Lingyang: I do smell danger from this cave though...

Lingyang: ...Rover, I've always known how strong you are.

Lingyang: I probably shouldn't be asking you for more help, but Bei Ji is in danger, the situation's looking dire, and we need your aid.

Lingyang: Once we find him, we must make him explain. Everything!

Lingyang: Yeah. His sister is super worried too!

Lingyang: Of course! You have my word!

Bei Shi: I-I'm going with you!

Bei Shi: My brother's in there. I want to find him as soon as possible...

Lingyang: Bei Shi, I understand how much you want to find your brother.

Lingyang: But it's really dark inside, and we've got no idea what could be hiding in there. We'll be stretched thin just watching each other's backs...

Lingyang: Besides, I have a more important thing for you to do.

Lingyang: I need you to go back to the city as fast as you can, let Patrollers know what happened today, and request their help.

Bei Shi: But... I don't want to run away from danger anymore...

Lingyang: Bei Shi... As an explorer of the Pioneer Association, I trust you understand.

Lingyang: A seasoned explorer knows how to make sound decisions in the moment.

Lingyang: And sometimes, choosing to retreat doesn't mean we are weak.

Bei Shi: ...Yes, I will. Please help him!

Bei Shi: And please stay safe, you two!

Lingyang: No worries. We'll bring him back!

Enter the cave

Get into the cavern

This place... It's full of different smells. Plants, beasts, Tacet Discords, and... humans.

I'm pretty good at pathfinding. Leave it to me!

Investigate the traces

Look. I bet Bei Ji dropped this.

But why does he have this bizarre obsession with the Jingle Beast?

I guess this is the only way ahead. Let's keep going.

Go deeper into the caverns

Lingyang: Looks like one just appeared—I'll handle it, stay back!

Defeat all enemies

Investigate further

Lingyang: Here! I'll break this rock!

Switch to Lingyang to break the rocks

Explore the underworld

Use Plunging Attack to break the rocks

Continue exploring the underworld

Lingyang: Whoops, this guy is completely blocking our way!

Lingyang: It's not too difficult to fight against, but it's a total wrecking ball. If we fight it here, it could bring down the entire cave.

Lingyang: Oh, and it keeps one nostril open for food scents even when it's asleep. We can turn that against it and use a scent it hates to repel it.

Lingyang: Sniff sniff... Yup, that's the Noctemint! Let's put it by the Spearback and see what happens.

Lingyang: The scent is coming from below.

Use Plunging Attack to break the rocks

Find the Noctemint

Defeat the monsters

Lingyang: Watch out! More Tacet Discords!

Lingyang: Alright, let's get out of here!

Return to the Spearback

Lure the Spearback away

Lingyang: Feels like an earthquake when it moves...

Head to the target location

Lingyang: Wow... I didn't expect the insides of this cave to look like this. This is so beautiful.

Lingyang: This plant only grows in dark places, and I haven't seen it in a long time... I miss it a little.

Lingyang: Let's keep moving.

Fierce Exile: Where do you think you are runnin' to, brat?

Fierce Exile: Didn't expect you to make it this far. Shame these monsters didn't get you yet.

Fierce Exile: Oh well, at least we'll get to claim your sorry corpse later...

Bei Ji: I-I'm not afraid of you!

Bei Ji: I know all the dirty things you've done!

Bei Ji: I-I've already sent out proof against you.

Bei Ji: Even if you kill me... It won't change the truth!

Bei Ji: There are still brave people out there... They will stand up to you... I know they will...

Lingyang: I knew it! Bei Ji wasn't working with them.

Fierce Exile: Oh? Our prey is finally here...

Bei Ji: Who are you? Run! Run while you can! They're targeting me...

Fierce Exile: Run? Don't even even think about it.

Fierce Exile: You think you were smooth?

Fierce Exile: We saw you spying and creeping up on us. We just played dumb to lure you in...

Fierce Exile: ...and now we gotcha. Time to pay for your sneaky ways!

Cautious Exile: Boss, you're the best!

Cautious Exile: Surrender now and you may die in one piece!

Lingyang: Why would you choose to live like a beast when you could be a human?

Lingyang: If you call yourself beasts, then you should know... every beast has its own hunting game.

Lingyang: Sometimes, a beast pretends to be weak... to give their prey a false sense of security. Make them assume they're the hunters.

Cautious Exile: What?!

Lingyang: I haven't been this angry in a while.

Lingyang: Rover, we'll show them no mercy.

Lingyang: Since you've chosen to act like beasts... I'll handle you the way beasts do!

Defeat The Savage Beasts

Fierce Exile: Crap...

Cautious Exile: Oh no, Boss... I heard once his tail starts wagging real fast, he's unstoppable in battle...

Fierce Exile: So what?

Cautious Exile: B-but his tail's wagging like crazy now!

Bei Ji: Wow... you're so strong!

Lingyang: Hah...

Lingyang: You don't stand a chance against me in the wilderness. Submit while you can.

Lingyang: ...Or would you prefer getting torn into shreds?

Fierce Exile: Haha... You've startled "those things" awake...

Cautious Exile: Boss... What do we do now?!

Fierce Exile: Well...

Cautious Exile: We're fighting them?

Fierce Exile: We're running, of course!

Lingyang: Rover, watch out!

Lingyang: Don't you dare lay a claw on him!

Fend off the enemies

Lingyang: Hiss... Grrr... You hurt my friend... You die!

Lingyang: Please keep it a secret between the two of us.

Lingyang: Thank you. That would be great.

Bei Ji: I'm alive! Thank you for saving me!

Bei Ji: That's good to hear... Thank you.

Bei Ji: What?! Oh, Bei Shi... I'm so sorry... I'm such an awful brother.

Lingyang recounts every detail of the events to you.

Bei Ji: I didn't expect she would... I'm sorry.

Bei Ji: Yeah, I guess you've already heard some of it from her...

Bei Ji: Our parents were both members of the Pioneer Association. They were famous explorers, until we lost them to an accident.

Bei Ji: We've been struggling to survive since then. I did many part-time jobs to make ends meet, trying to take care of my sister.

Bei Ji: But Bei Shi... She said she wanted to join the Pioneer Association, and fulfill our parents' unfinished ambitions...

Bei Ji: She's the last family I have. I was really scared I'd lose her, too.

Bei Ji: I tried to ban her from joining the Pioneer Association, and we got into a huge fight. We haven't really talked to each other ever since...

Bei Ji: But, to be honest... When she was accepted to join the Association, I was really happy for her.

Bei Ji: Unlike me, she is brave, positive, and always willing to try new things. As her brother, I'm happy she'll get to see a bigger world.

Bei Ji: ...Yes. I shouldn't have tried to make the decision for her.

Lingyang: It's too dangerous here. Let's get out first.

Lingyang: Your sister's been worried about you.

Leave "Hidden Cave"

Cautious Exile: Why... Why did this happen?

Fierce Exile: When it rains, it pours...

Serious Patroller: Behave!

Bei Shi: Lingyang! Rover!

Upright Patroller: Thanks for the tip, young lady. We made it in time to catch them because of you.

Bei Ji: Bei Shi...

Bei Shi: Bei Ji!

Bei Ji: Bei Shi, I'm so sorry I made you worry...

Lingyang: Though seeing your reunion is truly touching...

Lingyang: I still gotta say, this isn't the right place for conversation. Let's head back to the city first.

Back to the residential area

Lingyang: So, when you found out that Bei Shi lost her courage because of the Jingle Beast, you came up with a plan to get rid of it?

Bei Ji: Yeah... I thought I could kill the Jingle Beast, and make my sister happy again...

Bei Ji: And I heard rumors about an Exile group called "The Savages." Said they knew how to talk to that beast...

Bei Ji: Yes... I wanted to prove my courage. Wanted to make her proud of me.

Bei Ji: But in the end, I couldn't achieve anything...

Bei Ji: Yes, you're right...

Bei Ji: I failed. Couldn't find the Jingle Beast, couldn't beat the bad guys. I only knew how to cower in fear... that's all I could do.

Bei Ji: I'm just an incompetent coward. I've always been!

Bei Shi: No... That's not true...

Lingyang: At least, you didn't choose to work with those bad guys.

Lingyang: Succumbing to desire and killing their own kind, these are the deeds of beasts.

Lingyang: It's a uniquely human trait to go against their natural instincts, even sacrificing themselves for someone else, or for a greater cause.

Lingyang: It only takes a moment for a human to descend into beastliness.

Lingyang: But holding on to one's humanity requires unwavering commitment and courage.

Lingyang: Bei Ji, you've already proved your bravery.

Lingyang: I'm sure your sister is proud of you, too.

Bei Ji: R-really...?

Bei Shi: Yes! I love you, brother. But promise me you won't do anything stupid again.

Bei Ji: Okay, yes, I promise you... But, um, at least I did find something this time!

Bei Ji: We now know the so-called Jingle Beast is just a bluff!

Bei Ji: So, Bei Shi, you don't need to fear it anymore!

Bei Shi: But I did hear the bell...

Bei Ji: Perhaps it was just your imagination? Or maybe it was some Tacet Discords?

Bei Shi: No way! I heard it loud and clear. I couldn't have mistaken it.

Bei Ji: Rover, Lingyang, we'll be going home now. Sorry for the trouble I caused.

Lingyang: Sure, go get some good rest. Don't forget to come see the liondancing show tomorrow!

Bei Ji: Eh? Tomorrow?

Lingyang: Don't tell me you've forgotten your liondance request?

Bei Ji: No, no, I didn't...

Bei Ji: Sorry. Actually, I made that request to further investigate the Jingle Beast...

Bei Ji: But now, I guess that's no longer necessary.

Lingyang: I see...

Bei Ji: I see. We'll come watch the show!

Lingyang: Yeah, please do come, okay?

Bei Shi and Bei Ji wave goodbye before taking their leave.

Lingyang: Rover, I know you still have a lot of questions to ask...

Lingyang: And there are things I'd like to discuss with you.

Lingyang: Please, follow me.

Keep going down this road and we'll reach the theater. But I guess you've been here many times already...

Well, let's just hang out a bit while we're here!

Go to the theater with Lingyang

Lingyang: Sir! May your business boom!

Shuncai: Thank you, Lingyang!

Lingyang: After our adventure in the wilderness, the hustle and bustle brings a comforting sense of prosperity.

Lingyang: I must... do what I can to keep it thriving.

Lingyang: Have a happy wedding, Ms. Linling!

Linling: Thank you, Lingyang!

Lingyang: Haha, Ms. Ganxue's shop is always so popular. Let's not bother her for now!

Lingyang: Her souvenirs are all made with care. I'm sure people will love them!

Lingyang: Phew, and now we're back.

Qi: Lingyang! You're finally here! Master's been looking for you!

Lingyang: Oh no! I completely forgot!

Lingyang: Rover, could you look around backstage for a bit? See if you can find anything that might help Bei Shi overcome her fear...

Lingyang: I'll be right back!

Qi: Hurry up! Master's getting angry!

Lingyang: I'm coming! I'm coming!

Look for the right props at the theater backstage

A handwritten pamphlet titled Lucky Greetings Collection. Signs of regular revisions can be noticed.

It records in details all the popular Lucky Greetings from Huanglong, including the ones often spoken by Lingyang.

Partially completed red packets and silk balls.

These should be lion dance props. The designs are delicate, and you can tell meticulous craftsmanship from them.

Lingyang: Hey, Rover, I'm back!

Lingyang: Hmm... Let's begin with the history of this tradition.

Lingyang: Liondance shows started as a way to cheer up returning soldiers and boost their morale before battles.

Lingyang: It evolved over time into a way to boost soldiers' spirits before battle, symbolizing courage and the hope for victory.

Lingyang: Bei Shi got hit pretty hard during the attack, and she probably blanked out for a bit.

Lingyang: Then, perhaps her brain made up some fake memories about that creepy Jingle Beast in the rumors to fill in the gaps.

Lingyang: Bei Ji wanted to kill the Jingle Beast to help his sister. Indeed, getting rid of the thing she fears could work.

Lingyang: But that won't solve the real issue.

Lingyang: Like we heard on our way here...

Lingyang: The scary beast comes with many different names. We can defeat the Jingle Beast now, but another Twinkle Beast could appear later.

Lingyang: It's not enough to just defeat that one Jingle Beast. One must have the courage to take on any beasts.

Lingyang: That's why I want help Bei Shi overcome her fear with our liondance performance.

Lingyang: As the liondance evolved, it picked up various new styles and elements, which hold unique significance to each person.

Lingyang: Our goal is to create a customized performance that truly benefits Bei Shi.

Lingyang: Okay, gotta go prep now! See you at tomorrow's liondance show!

Go to the theater the next afternoon (15:00-17:00)

Look for Bei'ji and Bei'shi in the audience area

Talk to Bei'ji and Bei'shi

Hi, Rover, there you are!

It's been quite a while since I last saw a grand liondance show like this. I'm so excited about it.

Oh, the show's beginning!

Go to the backstage of the theater and look for Lingyang

Bei Shi: I was once chased by a big creature in the wilderness. All I could hear was a bell ringing and my only thought was to run away.

Bei Shi: Then I heard about the Jingle Beast, so I figured it must have been what attacked me.

Bei Shi: But when I saw you perform today, it all came back to me! That's the same bell ringing sound I had heard back then!

Bei Shi: So... I must have been saved by that bell.

Bei Shi: The bell that sounded like it was chasing after me... It was actually guiding me away from danger.

Lingyang: The liondance inspires and empowers each person in a unique way. I'm glad my performance could give you courage and inspiration.

Bei Shi: Yeah! I loved your performance! I think I can keep working as Explorer for the Pioneer Association now!

Bei Ji: Bei Shi, that's amazing!

Bei Ji: When you joined the Association, I was actually so proud... I'm happy you get to keep chasing your dreams...

Bei Ji: And, erm, please forgive me...

Bei Shi: I am upset, because you never told me anything... You always carried the burden alone.

Bei Shi: Didn't even tell me you were gonna go kill the Jingle Beast... Don't you ever do something like that again!

Bei Ji: I promise, I promise. Let me treat you to something as my sincere apology.

Lingyang: I know a nice food stall, it's right up ahead in the square. You should check it out.

Bei Ji: Awesome! Bei Shi, let's go!

Lingyang: Hehe, getting your compliment is all that matters to me!

Lingyang: You're making me blush, Rover...

Lingyang: Anyway, I'm super glad to hear that from you.

Lingyang: Rover, thank you so much for your help.

Lingyang: Yeah, sure... Let's talk somewhere more private.

Follow Lingyang

Lingyang: Where should I begin...

Lingyang: Rover, have you ever thought about this...

Lingyang: Since there are humans with Resonance Abilities...

Lingyang: Uncontrolled emotions in human Resonators lead to disastersOverclocking. It's even more dangerous in beasts, as they follow instincts.

Lingyang: Over time, most of them died out, driven extinct by their unrestrained desires.

Lingyang: Beasts that can bring their power under control are extremely rare, but... they do exist.

Lingyang: And the Jingle Beast... It happens to be one of them.

Lingyang: A long, long time ago, the Jingle Beast wasn't called the Jingle Beast. It used to have a name—

Lingyang: Back then, the Suan'nis lived a tranquil life in deep forests, far away from humans.

Lingyang: However, when the Tacet Fields expanded rapidly, their territories were not spared.

Lingyang: Some of them had to encroach upon certain human territories for a chance to survive.

Lingyang: Humans suffered greatly against the Suan'nis, with their terrifying appearance, powerful Resonance Abilities, and wild animal instincts...

Lingyang: Uh... I read it in an old book in Huanglong. Said they lived under that giant Violet Banyan tree in the Dim Forest.

Lingyang: The Suan'nis have nearly gone extinct over the years. And now, there might be only one of them remaining.

Lingyang: And... I've heard of an interesting theory from the archaeologists...

Lingyang: That last Suan'ni might have yearned to become a human.

Lingyang: To make itself more approachable, it first came up with a less intimidating name... Something like, the "Jingle Beast."

Lingyang: Maybe... It was drawn by the bustle and merriment of human cities. It must have been lonely as the last of its kind.

Lingyang: Maybe it was moved by human bravery against the Lament, and wanted to offer help. Maybe it wanted to fight the catastrophe that ruined its once homeland.

Lingyang: Or maybe, it simply couldn't resist human foods?

Lingyang: If it truly wanted to become human, it had to first understand the essence of what makes a human.

Lingyang: If you ask me, the essence would be the 'heart' of a human.

Lingyang: Therefore, the "Jingle Beast" no longer rejected its appearance and began to, in its animal form, connect with humans, to assist them...

Lingyang: Perhaps, in this process, it happened to save a girl in the wilderness.

Lingyang: Well... is that what you think?

Lingyang: I think the "Jingle Beast" no longer cares whether it's a human or a beast. It lives in its own way.

Lingyang: In this world, there are beings with the appearance of a beast and the soul of a human, just as there are beings with the appearance of a human and the soul of a beast. All it needs to do is be true to itself.

Lingyang: It will remain resolute and convey the beautiful and inspiring qualities it once saw in humans in its own way.

Lingyang: Oops, I got carried away and almost forgot—here, keep this bell as a memento!

???: Lingyang! Come here!

Lingyang: Coming!

Lingyang: Rover, I must go get the props ready for the next show.

Lingyang: Come watch my performance again next time! Food's on me!

Lingyang: Please keep this bell! It should bring you good luck! Fare thee well, blessings swell!